Shinji looked around as he walked down a dark yet well-guarded hallway. He was a few months early. He hated coming here. He hated seeing him even more. Nevertheless, he would always come on the same day every year. Neither of them liked being alone on that day. The guards saluted as Shinji arrived at the final door, "Mr. Ikari, sir. We were surprised to hear you were coming today."

Shinji frowned. He had told them the same thing every year. They didn't need to salute. He had no military ranking. They always came back with the same answer. They saluted him, because they respected him and his sacrifice during the Angel War. He nodded at the soldier, "I needed someone to talk to."

The soldier frowned, "No offense sir, but why him?"

Shinji thought it over for a second, "Cause to be honest, there wasn't anyone else to go to."

The soldier opened the door and held out a container to Shinji, "You know the procedure."

Shinji took everything out of his pockets and put them in the container, "How's he been doing?"

They started walking down another hallway, "He's calmed down a lot lately. The Sarge says he's getting soft in his age."

Shinji nodded, "That's good, but don't let him fool you. He's very manipulative."

"I know sir."

They stopped in front of a room. The soldier looked though the glass in the door. He then opened the door, "You have one hour sir. I believe it's your turn to be black."

Shinji smiled and nodded, "I believe so." The soldier shut and locked the door as Shinji walked into the room. Inside was the wing's only occupant. He sat on one end of a table with a chess set set up. He pulled out the chair and made his first move, "Commander Ikari."

Gendo didn't look up from the board as he made his move, "I was surprised when they said you wanted to talk with me."

Shinji nodded as they spoke as they continued to play. "I've been going through some hard times lately."

"Really? Are things not going well with Pilot Soryu?"

"We had a disagreement. I found out she had been seeing someone behind my back."

Gendo smirked, "I told you she was untrustworthy."

Shinji frowned, "Forgive me if I'm not quick to trust what you say."

Gendo worked through his game strategy in his head, "That's reasonable. We have not had a very healthy father son relationship."

Shinji smirked, "You always liked the Russian didn't you?"

Gendo smiled that his son was able to pick up on his strategy, "Have you visited your mother's grave lately?"

"You're the one that told me it was fake. That her body wasn't there."

Gendo smiled, "Are you so quick to give up on a representation when you realize it is false?"

"I suppose so."

Gendo stopped the game play for a second, "Why did you come here Shinji?" He then made his move.

"Well, Asuka is trying to reconcile and make up, but now I have found out some one else has feelings for me."

"Really? Who?"

Shinji took a deep breathe, "Rei."

Gendo's hand paused on his piece, "Ayanami?"

Shinji looked up to realize that Gendo had looked up for the first time, "Yes."

Gendo seemed to pause for a second and then smiled slightly. It wasn't his usual manipulative 'I'm planning something' smile. It was an actual genuine smile, "That's interesting. Dr. Akagi assured me that she was incapable of developing human emotions." He continued in the game.

"That was years ago," defended Shinji. "She's different than people think. You just have to get to know her."

Gendo chuckled, "Your mother said the exact same thing about me."

"I guess I get her view on people."

Gendo mumbled his agreement, "You're much better off that way."

"I wish I could remember her."

Gendo looked up from the game, "So, my son has two lovely young women after him. You've become very popular with the ladies."

Shinji blushed, "I just don't know what I am going to do. I mean either of them would be the perfect person to end up with."

Gendo smiled, "There is your problem right there son. You're asking the wrong question."

Shinji looked up, "What do you mean?"

"You shouldn't ask which one of the two you can live with. You should ask which of the two you can't live without." Gendo then looked over the board, "You've been practicing."

Shinji stared at his father. Had Gendo Ikari actually come close to give good fatherly advice? Shinji had just come to get his problems off his chest. He came back to reality when he realized Gendo had asked a question, "Oh yeah, Rei and I've been playing lately."

Gendo nodded not looking up from the board, "She must be pretty good. You have improved greatly since last time. In fact, I think you've won this game."

Shinji really looked at the board for the first time. None of the plays he had made had stuck out to him. He had just reacted to his father's moves. However, it was clear now that Shinji was at an obvious advantage.

Gendo chuckled again, "That's the first time you've ever won."

Shinji nodded, "I know."

Gendo stood from his chair, "I guess that means our time is up for now."

Shinji stood and nodded, "I guess so." He then started to walk to the door which had been opened by the guarding soldier once again.

"Shinji."

Shinji turned and faced Gendo.

"Do you know which one now?"

Shinji thought it over for a second, "I believe so." He then walked away, and the door was shut and locked until the next time he came. After all, the former commander of NERV didn't get many visitors.